July 17, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 17
- Brush: DS Cosmetics Jade Green handle w/ DSC 24mm SHD G7 Synthetic knot
- Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador XL Adjustable
- Blade: Treet Carbon Steel (2)
- Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
- Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash
- Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
- Music: The Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care
Daily Theme: Smash is collaboration between House of Mammoth and Barrister and Mann, with both artisans' brands are prominently featured on the logo. Thanks goes to u/tsrblke for providing the smoosh of Smash I'm using today.
The Challenge: Over the four plus decades I've been shaving I've purchased three (3) blocks/sticks of alum (none of them Osma). Prior to today challenge, collectively I've used alum only once. Why? For the same reason I have enough soap and blades to last my lifetime, my son's lifetime, and most likely the yet-to-be-conceived grandson's lifetime. Because someday I might need it. Like for Lather Games 2023 Day 17.
The Shave: The HoM Tusk base performed flawlessly and helped deliver a BBS. Shaving complete, I broke out the alum stick and rubbed it all over my face à la u/Impressive_Donut114 on Goop Day, all the while thinking to myself: "Boy I wish I was using Osma." Absolutely pulsating!
Seriously, I was pleasantly surprised by today's alum experience. My previous alum misadventure happened during a bout of severe razor burn (due to pi$$-poor lather and shaving techniques). I left it on my skin WAY TOO LONG, which made the skin irritation worse. This time I did my homework before use, "smartly" applied the alum, and rinsed off the excess salt residue once the alum dried. What a difference! My skin and pores tightened right up. I'm not a convert yet, but I may need to reconsider my view of alum. #ROTY